Michele McCurdy is part of a sales team for a health insurance company. She has an MBA from UC Irvine, is married to the mayor of Fountain Valley and balances work, home and volunteering. McCurdy is enthusiastic and now she's busy helping put the finishing touches on the upcoming Mayor's Ball.

Q: What's going on at this year's Mayor's Ball?

A: This year's theme is “Fountain Valley – A Celebration of Community.” Every year, our Chamber of Commerce hosts the event, which honors the current mayor (this year it is my husband, Mark) and the City Council members. It's a wonderful community event with many residents attending. These include folks who participate in various activities, clubs, commissions and businesses here in Fountain Valley and many who just want to have fun. It starts with the mayor's reception, which is an upscale cocktail party, to kick off the evening. Then, there's a fine dinner and dancing. It's all enhanced by opportunity drawings for a variety of gift baskets. All in all, this is a great time to dress up and mingle with your neighbors and celebrate our wonderful city.

Q: What are you doing to help?

A: I am honored to be one of a core team of volunteers. We've been hard at work to ensure this year's event is a resounding success. Mark and I are incredibly appreciative of their hard work and ideas. Mark attends all of the meetings and many of the ideas we're working on stem from his vision for this year's event. We've been meeting monthly since May. I'm helping to handle many of the details that go into putting this all together.

Q: What do you like about doing this?

A: I always look forward to the Mayor's Ball. Mark and I have been attending it for many years and it's a highlight for us every year. That night, I will be mingling with the other guests to celebrate Fountain Valley. I am also excited to share the event with our daughter, Madison. This is her first Mayor's Ball. Maddy is almost 12 and she's very excited about attending the Mayor's Ball and has sat through her share of prep meetings too. I guess you could say she's an honorary committee member.

Q: Why do you think it's important for Fountain Valley to have the Mayor's Ball?

A: We are very blessed to live in Fountain Valley. Not only is it a great place to live, but we have many businesses who are committed to the city's success also. Because the Chamber of Commerce sponsors the event, it is a great way to bring everybody together. It's a fundraiser for the Chamber and we are very grateful to the businesses who are generously sponsoring this wonderful evening.

Q: Has the Mayor's Ball changed over the years?

A: I remember that I attended my first Mayor's Ball in October of 2001, on my daughter's due date. Basically, my outfit was a spangled tent. It was held in Huntington Beach that year and then went on hiatus for several years. I love that the event now takes place here in Fountain Valley. I love being able to help with it. Doing the right thing and helping others is very important to me. It just keeps getting better and better.

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